MISSION STATEMENT To support immigrant families educationally, financially, and emotionally, and educate our community on immigration issues to become a more supportive, integrated, and prosperous Taos community.
Taos Immigrant Allies (TIA) is a group of volunteers who organized in November of 2016 to assist Taos County immigrant families.
Since mid 2020 we have been operating under the 501(c) 3 nonprofit B’nai Shalom Havurah, which allows us to receive multiple grants and give tax deduction letters for donations.
Summary of Taos Immigrant Allies Activities:
Presently:
We distribute information: Know Your Rights with ICE, QR codes to websites, Red Cards, Employers information to protect employees, and a Mexican Consulate contact app. We have many volunteers to give information to immigrants, businesses, restaurants, hotels, churches, schools, and the entire community.
TIA worked with the Town of Taos and Taos County to pass Immigrant Friendly Community Resolution 2017. We have revisited this legislation with the Town of Taos and Taos County in 2025, giving them language to enact policies to protect immigrants.
Since 2019 our Little Free Pantry program provides emergency food 24/7 for the entire community. We have had up to 10 LFPs placed around Taos County. Hundreds of thousands of dollars of donated food has been distributed via the LFP project by our 60+ great stewards and TIA support.
In 2022 we initiated a women’s support group which progressed to English as a Second Language classes, which are ongoing.
TIA organizes events to educate the community about immigration issues and local needs, and brings in experts- immigration lawyers, authors, and volunteers from border organizations- to speak at community events about immigration policy.
During COVID pandemic time
We prioritized their most urgent needs during this time, dispersing funds for rent, utilities, food, and dire needs. Between 2020 and 2024, $275,000 in assistance was provided. We also assisted in filling out applications for NM Emergency Rent and Utilities Assistance totalling $89,000.
TIA coordinated 33 COVID vaccination clinics with other organizations; almost 5,000 COVID vaccines were provided without requiring ID, insurance or appointments.
Volunteers traveled to the border to deliver donations such as personal care items, winter clothing, toys and books and prescription medicines to individuals and a shelter in Juarez.
TIA delivered St. James food boxes to families isolated due to COVID, along with medical education materials, masks, and sanitizer.
TIA provided monthly sponsorships to 18 families referred by community schools for basic needs.
Funds are raised for DACA fees, limited medical bills, and travel for families to attend hearings in El Paso.
TIA has provided backpacks, school supplies, holiday gifts, and holiday checks for children in recent years. We assisted eligible people seeking child care, health insurance, and internet assistance.
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We wish to thank our generous sponsors:
and all the generous donations made by our Taos friends and neighbors